Cable hookup to laptop

USB TV tuner will be $70-100 for a dual tuner, e.g. Hauppauge 1595. Single tuner devices cost maybe a little less. Most of the computer work done by a modern digital TV will be handled by your PC.

If the cable you are connecting to has encrypted channels, you might not get those without a cable box. FCC is just now talking about maybe doing something to change that business model.

The Hauppauage 950 series and 980 series have worked well for me. These are small USB nubbins, NOT the larger USB box, such as the boat-anchorish HD PVR2 (wanna buy mine?). Fifty or so bucks for the nubbins ought to do it.

Another option that I own and have had good luck with is the "Diamond VC500". I bought this because the Hauppage nubbins only accept coax input, and on the Dish VIP211k the coax output is AWFUL.

The VC500 allows me to hook up to the component output of the VIP 211k which is significantly better quality. I still use the Hauppage for coax straight from an OTA antenna, where it works VERY well and can easily handle full HD, even though it's not rated to.

Either of these devices come with windows software that will allow you to record incoming programming, turning your laptop into a high-end DVR. The Hauppage software allows for scheduling, the Diamond does not.

Some of the most cutting-edge technophiles here seem to have given up on PC DVRs, whgich have transformed pushed content (TV), IMO. I wonder if those same luddites take a camera with them, or just relay on a sketchbook and colored pencils, since a camera can't possibly work, when you think about it.

Hope this helps!

OH48Lt wrote:
x3 on the dedicated small TV, but if you insist on using the laptop, AND it has an HDMI port (most do), THIS cable should do the trick.

The cable in the link is coax to ethernet, has absolutely nothing to do with HDMI. Also, as already pointed out, very few laptops have HDMI inputs, virtually all only have HDMI outputs.

I see the reviews are not great for the Hauptmans linked on the previous page. I had one of their early versions, never did get it to work. Is there nothing better out there?

Hi,

I was not pleased with the external tv tuner for my laptop. Get a small Television.

Several versions of what you need.

Note that I have used older versions of these devices, Not only do they let you WATCH TV, but you can download a program guide (may have to subscribe to do that) and record shows to your hard drive, you can then burn to DVD or watch later.. have done all the above.

The Hauppauge USB tuner will get the job done. It adds DVR capability at the same time as allowing reception of TV signals from cable or antenna.

OH48Lt wrote:
x3 on the dedicated small TV, but if you insist on using the laptop, AND it has an HDMI port (most do), THIS cable should do the trick.

Not to sure about that.
The laptop can send a signal out through HDMI. I don't think it can receive. You still need a tuner on the receiving end.

x3 on the dedicated small TV, but if you insist on using the laptop, AND it has an HDMI port (most do), THIS cable should do the trick.

Artum Snowbird wrote:
I bought one once, and after looking at the set up manual and the user manual I took it back and for under $100 bought a supersmall 18 inch TV.

This is the least painful thing to do.